sheath finishing

[pike3e]

I have just finishing wet molding my first sheath. I have some neatsfoot oil and some beeswax available. Should I use either, neither or both of these on the leather? It is vegitable tanned from Tandy. Any opinions or pics would be great.

Thanks

John

 

[cjpgeyer]

I use Neatsfoot oil as a conditioner and not a finish, myself.
I do like to use beeswax as a finish. I use a little bit of paraffin with my beeswax. I warm the sheath with a hairdryer, then apply melted wax with a brush. Once the sheath is covered, I use the hairdryer to melt the wax into the leather. Once finished, I buff with a soft cloth.
You can also check the Sheaths and Such forum here on BFC for more info.
Here are a couple of my beeswaxed sheaths.

 

[gixxer]

Lots of folks have a specific way of finishing their sheaths. When I am ready to finish the sheath, I give it a coat if neatsfoot oil (yours is 100% right?) after I finish my dye job, let it dry, and use resolene. If I want it kinda shiny I will use atom wax for a little more shine. Neutral shoe polish will do the same. I am too lazy to buy some. Check out the tandy site they have resolene, it is a fiebings product. This does not make it 100% waterproof but I do not want my sheaths 100% waterproof cause it will hold moisture up against a blade if everything is not perfectly dry on the surface of the sheath in the pocket.

 

[Patrickknives]

I have a mixture of half neetsfoot and half bees wax, I melt the two together in the microwave and then brush on and let cool. Remove excess with cloth and buff. Nice shine and good protective coating.